Speaker profile

Stephen Valentino
The London Project

Stephen relocated to the Middle East in 2011, where he joined forces with Keith and established the successful food group Star Corporation. With a passion for business and an instinct for market trends in the industry, Star Corporation’s flagship brand Leopold’s of London opened five outlets within 12 months and was awarded best new café and subsequently has collected awards for food, design and service.

In 2015, Stephen and Keith sold Star Corporation and upon exit, decided to stay within the UAE and create a dynamic hospitality group called The Firmament Group.

The Firmament Group opened The London Project located directly under the Ain Dubai, the mega wheel at Bluewaters Island. This highly-anticipated venue opened in 2018, winning many awards in The UAE for Best Restaurant, Best Bar, Best Live Music, Arabian Design Awards, Best British Concept, UK International interior design awards along with being named in the global top 50 most Instagramable venues of 2020. With the global recognition of The London Project, The Firmament Group has been approached by internationally best landlords and since signed A1+ locations with others under offer for UK - Canary Wharf and London City, Germany - Berlin, China - Macau, USA – NYC. The Firmament Group is a preferred premium client of both Savills Global Hospitality & Real Estate portfolio, Brookfield’s International Commercial portfolio and Dubai’s Meraas, Emaar & Merex developers.